The annual children’s summer reading challenge is underway, tasking participants to read six books over the school holidays.
Children aged 4 - 11 can visit Wiltshire Council libraries to join the “Marvellous Makers” summer reading challenge, produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries.
Across eight weeks of the summer, children will receive rewards as they gradually complete six books that they have borrowed.
The challenge aims to prevent the “summer reading dip” many children experience over the holidays when they aren't in school and is a free and fun way to keep young minds active.
In partnership with The Reading Agency and Create, a leading arts charity, this year's challenge also celebrates children’s creativity and storytelling abilities.
The challenge, which first began in 1999, runs until Saturday, September 7, and on registering, children will receive their own poster to record their reading, plus a “Marvellous Makers” sticker.
When they’ve read four books, they’ll be given an origami activity sheet and on completion, a badge and certificate. Children can start to collect stickers and other prizes from Monday, July 29.
Children can choose any books of their choice and can also read eBooks or listen to audiobooks.
READ MORE: Wiltshire Libraries see changes in reading habits
Wiltshire Council cabinet member for libraries cllr Ian Blair-Pilling said: “We hope that many children will again be inspired to take part in this popular and important reading programme, which has proved to make a real difference to children’s reading skills and attitudes to reading.
"Last year we received a lot of great feedback from parents and carers on the impact the challenge had on their child’s reading. It also encouraged children and their families to join the library with access to thousands of books to borrow for free.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers and library staff for helping to make what is shaping up to be another successful summer of reading, through their support of listening to children’s book reviews and reading written reviews, giving out prizes and encouraging children to continue with the challenge.”
CEO of The Reading Agency Karen Napier added: "The Summer Reading Challenge sparks children's creativity and imagination through reading. Developed with Create, this year's 'Marvellous Makers' theme will inspire kids' inner storytellers and makers.
“We're thrilled to work with libraries to provide an engaging environment for exploring new ideas through books and activities."
For children who want a further challenge and those older than 11 there is the Story Adventurers’ Club, a personal reading challenge where children set their own reading goals, with the target to read 100 books.
Children can also sign up to the challenge online at: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
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